1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello

It’s naturally aspirated V12 engine positioned at the front of the car marked a return to Ferrari’s traditional GT roots with the 550 Maranello.

Today, there are three key reasons the 550 Maranello enjoys sitting atop collector’s and driver’s wish lists- 1. A chrome gated 6 speed manual 2. A colossal naturally aspirated V12 with unending levels of power 3. Everyday comfort and drivability.

In it’s November 1996 review, Road and Track said “The 550 pursues a philosophy recently adopted at Ferrari: Stratospheric levels of performance, which formerly could be taken for granted, must now be complemented with customer-demanded comfort and drivability”.

Australian delivered and sold new to its first and only owner in February of 1999 this superbly maintained 550 Maranello in Tour De France Blue over Tan trim has travelled just 71,000 kilometres.

Totally original this 550M has just received a major service by Ferrari including the cambelts replacement to prepare it for its next custodian.

Indicative of it’s low kilometres, the interior is in outstanding condition. Not suffering from the common sticky switchgear and wrinkled leather dash, from the double stitched leather centre console and bucket seats to the Ferrari stamped sills this 550M has been exceptionally well preserved from new.

The drive is also on the button. Every drive is an event from the smell of the Italian leather, to the roar of the engine and exhaust on start up and the sound of the chrome gated “clink” on every shift. It’s comfortable too, with electric windows, mirrors, seats, air-conditioning, a firm but forgiving ride and all controls at your finger-tips it’s easy to see why these cars have amassed a global cult following.

Accompanied by its full suite of manuals kept in the original leather wallet and still fitted with its original Becker Grand Prix radio, this Ferrari 550M is the one to own.

At it’s launch at the Nürburgring, Grand Prix legend Niki Lauda was on hand to drive members of the press corps on hot laps around the circuit. On the day, Lauda famously commented, “You can forget the 512. No comparison. This is the first modern Ferrari, and the first I would really want to own”.